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Trillium Engineering Tests New HD55 Gimbaled Camera System for Tactical Drones

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

Replacing older HD50 model, HD55 houses sharper EO and IR cameras for better target ID

HOOD RIVER, Ore.—May 12, 2020—Trillium Engineering, an industry leader in gimbaled camera systems for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), announced today that it has begun airborne testing of its lightweight, high-definition HD55 system.

Designed for use on Group 2 and smaller Group 3 UAS, the new HD55 employs electro-optical (EO) and cryogenically cooled mid-wave infrared (MWIR) cameras, as well as an onboard image processor – all in a gimbal just 5.5 inches in diameter and weighing 1750 grams.

“At Trillium, we are constantly on the hunt for state-of-the-art technology,” said Rob Gilchrist, cofounder and president of Trillium Engineering, “and the development of the HD55, the newest addition to our family of gimbaled systems, exemplifies this approach.”

The HD55 replaces the end-of-life HD50, which came in four configurations and was first delivered to customers in November 2014. The HD50-MV was the smallest cooled MWIR gimbaled camera system on the market.

The new and improved HD55 will have the same swept volume as its predecessor but will be slightly lighter and more capable than the trailblazing HD50. “The HD55 has a narrower field of view than the HD50, allowing the new system to get a closer, more actionable look at targets,” Gilchrist said.

Trillium personnel have been flight testing the HD55 on various airborne platforms, including a small multi-rotor drone and a manned Cessna aircraft, which serves as a surrogate for a fixed-wing tactical UAS. The next step, say company officials, is to begin testing on the real thing.

“We are already getting interest from major platform providers,” Gilchrist said.

trilliumeng.com

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First Colorado Agency Implements Viridian Gun Cameras

Monday, May 11th, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – May 11, 2020 – The Kit Carson County Sheriff’s Office has deployed the FACT Duty™ Weapon-Mounted Camera (WMC™). Sheriff Tom Ridnour has been working to equip his force for modern policing over the last year. Every sworn deputy of the Eastern Colorado county now has a Weapon-Mounted Camera in the field to compliment body cameras.

The rural force is responsible for patrolling over 2,000 square miles that includes the border with Kansas. Sheriff Ridnour has been working to implement Viridian gun cameras, and was able to get them deployed on March 1 of this year. That timing coincided with the first time footage from Viridian’s gun camera was used in an officer-involved shooting (OIS) trial in Texas. A jury quickly convicted the defendant of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a public official. The WMC provided the critical evidence in the case by showing the defendant pointing a sawed-off shotgun at Vernon, Texas Police Corporal T.J. Session.

“The Weapon-Mounted Cameras provide a new layer of visibility and perspective for our deputies,” said Sheriff Ridnour. “As a rural force, we cover a huge area with a limited number of personnel. The range of responsibilities our deputies have is equally as great—and knowing we now have the FACT Duty gun cameras in the field gives us even more coverage and awareness.”

Viridian has created an important category for law enforcement with the introduction of the Weapon-Mounted Camera. This distinctive camera provides an unobstructed view of critical use-of-force events from the end of the firearm, addressing limitations officers can face with body cameras.

“Sheriff Ridnour has been dedicated to bringing the latest technologies to his department, and we’re thrilled he added the FACT Duty,” Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen, said. “Our technology can be a supplement or alternative to body cameras as a mandatory evidentiary tool to provide the critical evidence in an officer involved shooting. We commend Sheriff Ridnour for being the first to deploy in Colorado and wish him and his deputies the best during these unprecedented and challenging times for all first responders.”

The highly advanced WMC employs a 1080p full-HD digital camera with a microphone and 500 lumen tactical light. Viridian’s proprietary INSTANT-ON® technology automatically activates the camera and microphone whenever the officer draws the firearm from its holster. Not only does this eliminate risk of failure to manually turn on the camera during a critical event, but it also keeps the officer from fumbling with cumbersome equipment.

More information on the FACT Duty can be found here or by contacting Viridian directly at sales@ViridianWeaponTech.com.

Posted in LE, Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

5.11 to Donate $25,000 from Proceeds of Police Week Patch to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

Monday, May 11th, 2020

Irvine, CA (May 11, 2020) – – 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear announced today that they will be donating up to $25,000 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund from the proceeds of the brand’s limited edition ‘Honor Those Who Serve’ patch. Additionally, 5.11 is a sponsor of the NLEOMF Virtual Candlelight Vigil which will take place on Wednesday, May 13th. This donation and sponsorship are two of several activations 5.11 has executed honoring first responders during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The ‘Honor Those Who Serve’ patch launch occurs during National Police Week 2020. The patch features a thin blue line and eagle – both symbols honoring law enforcement officers everywhere. 100% net proceeds of the patch will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund up to $25,000. The patch can be purchased online at www.511Tactical.com as well as 5.11 retail stores across the country.

“We are honored to be working with the Memorial Fund to support law enforcement officers nationwide through our donation as well as the candlelight vigil later this week,” said 5.11 Chief Executive Officer, Francisco J. Morales. “We appreciate all of our first responders, and especially law enforcement officers more than ever during this year’s National Police Week as our nation navigates the unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic. Our gratitude for our police force has never been greater and our support of the Memorial Fund will impact so many officers and their families.”

This year, 307 names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Due to the cancellation of public gatherings surround the COVID-19 pandemic, this National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Candlelight Vigil will be streamed via live webcast on Wednesday, May 13th at 8pm EST and available for anyone to join. To register for updates on the Candlelight Vigil and to light a virtual candle, please click here.

“We are grateful for 5.11, their partnership and generosity over the years,” said National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Marcia Ferranto. “Partners like 5.11 allow us to properly recognize and honor the men and women and their families who make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and communities. The importance of saluting these individuals is greater than ever as we’ve come to ask more than ever from our officers and their families.”

In addition to the ‘Honor Those Who Serve Patch’ and donation to NLEOMF, 5.11 also launched the Inside The Blue Line video series in partnership with SIG SAUER produced by Ironclad Media this week. The video series follows Manchester, New Hampshire’s police department and highlights the realities of life as a law enforcement officer today.

For more information on 5.11, please visit www.511Tactical.com. For the latest on 5.11’s activations, follow @511Tactical. For more information on National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund, please visit www.NLEOMF.org.

Posted in Charity, LE, Press Release | Comments Off on 5.11 to Donate $25,000 from Proceeds of Police Week Patch to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

Blackhawk Introduces Limited-Edition T-Series Holster in Recognition of National Police Week

Monday, May 11th, 2020

New Level 2 Compact Holsters to Feature Inner Blue Mold

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – May 11, 2020 – Blackhawk, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, announced today the release of a limited-edition T-Series Level 2 Compact (L2C) holster in recognition of National Police Week. As a salute to the men and women of law enforcement, the new L2C holsters will feature a blue, inner molding that is displayed along the edge of the exterior of the holster.

The new, limited-edition holster will be offered in five fit options across the various holster molds and only available while supplies last. The Blackhawk T-Series L2C holster will offered be in both left and right-handed fits for the Glock 17 and SIG Sauer P320 pistols as well as right-hand only model for the Glock 19. The new holsters will retail for $59.95.

The Blackhawk T-Series line is the world’s first thumb driven, dual-injected molded holster. The holster combines the company’s proven outer body strength made possible with a glass reinforced nylon along with a soft touch inner liner that is both super slick and sound-dampening. This durable and efficient, low-friction design translates into a smooth, quiet draw or when re-holstering the sidearm. Designed to follow Blackhawk’s Master Grip Principle, all T-Series holsters have been specifically developed to allow the user’s hand to land naturally where it should in order to deploy the sidearm.

Like previously introduced Blackhawk models, the L2C holster has been specifically designed to assist with concealed carry. Each holster model is standard with a new speed cut to help with a faster draw and features a low-profile design for ease of concealment. The L2C holster is also RMR-compatible, enabling users the ability to add a red dot to their carry firearm.

The duty-rated holster is standard with an all-new Quick Dual Release (QDR) attachment method. Using an intuitive button release, the QDR allows the holster to be easily added and removed from a belt without weaving it through traditional belt loops. The QDR can easily accommodate belts ranging from 1.5 to 2.25 inches and allows the holster to be canted at various angles, depending on user preference. In addition to the QDR attachment, all T-Series L2C holsters come standard with a 2-slot belt loop. The 2-slot belt loop has been ergonomically designed to follow the body contour and help reduce offset.

For more information on the new Limited-Edition T-Series L2C Holsters or to view the complete line of T-Series holsters be sure to visit www.blackhawk.com/holsters.

Posted in Holsters, LE, Press Release | Comments Off on Blackhawk Introduces Limited-Edition T-Series Holster in Recognition of National Police Week

Point Blank Enterprises Company Awarded Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) Contract

Monday, May 11th, 2020

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., May 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Protective Group, a Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. company, has been awarded a multi-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) $209M USD body armor contract by the United States Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support (DLA-TS). The contract has an 18-month base period plus two one-year options and covers the delivery of updated Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts to the DLA-TS.

“We have been in continuous ESAPI production since our first contract was awarded in early 2017. We have delivered and continue to produce inserts and this multi-year award insures ESAPI production will continue uninterrupted,” said Michael Archibald, President, The Protective Group. “Our portfolio of high quality body armor products for both military and commercial customers continues to grow. We are honored to be selected again by DLA-TS allowing us to continue our long tradition of providing lifesaving products for those that protect us.”

For over 47 years, Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. has been the industry’s leading innovator of advanced products and designs engineered to maximize ballistic protection. The Company has shipped millions of body armor solutions to America’s service men and women, law enforcement professionals, corrections officers, Federal agents, and other key national and international customers. Point Blank will be exhibiting the full range of armor systems at this year’s AUSA Annual Meeting and Symposium in Washington, D.C. 12-14 October 2020.

www.pointblankenterprises.com

Posted in Armor, Contracts, Press Release | Comments Off on Point Blank Enterprises Company Awarded Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) Contract

Samson Introduces the New 15” DPMS G2 SXT M-LOK Handguard

Sunday, May 10th, 2020

The NEW 15” DPMS G2 SXT handguards feature a free-floating AR-15 handguard with an M-LOK® attachment system. The simple clamping system uses cross bolts that fit into the proprietary barrel nut for a rapid and easy installation. Will not fit .308s with a fixed front sight.

The handguards come with a hex wrench and a barrel nut for the DPMS G2.

For more information on these, and all of Samson Manufacturing’s products, visit the Samson website.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Samson Introduces the New 15” DPMS G2 SXT M-LOK Handguard

Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV Completes First Deployment in Mali Proving Its Effectiveness and Reliability

Saturday, May 9th, 2020

Milrem Robotics, the provider of robotic solutions for challenging environments, successfully completed its first deployment period of its unmanned ground vehicle, THeMIS, in operation Barkhane in Mali.

The THeMIS was initially deployed to Mali with the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) during a French lead counter-terrorism operation in April 2019.

Up until April 2020, the vehicle was regularly used during patrols by Estonian soldiers and for transporting supplies within their base. Altogether three Estonian platoons utilized the vehicle during their deployments.

„Partitioned urban areas can be challenging, and one cannot always depend on APC support. The opportunity to bring along a half-ton of ammunition and water to places unreachable with an APC added great value to patrols and enhanced combat capability,” said Lt Col Sten Allik, Senior Staff Officer of the Estonian Defence Forces.

“The THeMIS surprised us with its ability to withstand the tough environment. The heat and harsh terrain put the vehicle to the test; however, it passed with ease,” Allik added.

During the deployment, the THeMIS traversed 1200 km in one of the world’s harshest terrains of lava rock soil and climates climbing to 50 degrees Celsius in the shade. The UGV was operational for over 330 hours.

“We collected a lot of valuable data and feedback during the deployment and although EDF’s experience with the THeMIS was positive, there is always room for improvement,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “However, after this experience in Mali, we are confident that the THeMIS is more than capable of supporting operations in extremely hot climates,” Väärsi added.

In the future the EDF would like to utilize the THeMIS together with additional ISR, communication support, jamming, and remote weapon system capabilities. “The possibility to detect and neutralize the enemy or an explosive device from a distance is a crucial capability. It is easier to risk the vehicle than a human life. If we can reduce the risk to life in combat situations, we can increase operational speed,” Allik said.

Milrem Robotics will continue to support the EDF in mission areas in the future and is currently preparing for possible future deployments as early as the end of 2020.

The Estonian Defence Forces have also detailed their experience in their Yearbook 2019.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV Completes First Deployment in Mali Proving Its Effectiveness and Reliability

Introducing the New X3 Tactix MPRD from Riton Optics

Friday, May 8th, 2020

Tucson, AZ (6 May 2020)- Veteran owned optics company, Riton Optics, is proud to announce the release of their new pistol red dot optic, the X3 Tactix MPRD.

As a variation from their 2019 released X3 Tactix PRD, this smaller frame micro pistol dot was engineered and tested at the Riton headquarters in Tucson, AZ. True to their core values, Riton’s X3 Tactix MPRD was created as a high-quality product that can withstand the most rugged applications, while also providing the highest level of functionality and absolute best value.

In contrast to many pistol red dots on the market that are made from polymers, the X3 Tactix MPRD is made from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and has fully multi-coated, HD glass lenses for optimal clarity and long-lasting performance. It is also waterproof fog proof and shockproof up to 1500Gs.

With a Shield RMSc footprint, the X3 Tactix MPRD features an ultra-precise 3 MOA dot, 10 levels of red illumination, and an auto shut off after twelve hours. Utilizing one CR2032 battery, this red dot has an approximate battery life of 50,000 hours.

Riton’s Director of Sales, Todd Neice explained, “The new X3 Tactix MPRD is a great addition to our current line of high-quality, best value optics. The addition further diversifies the Riton line and provides our customers with more options to suit their needs.”

The X3 Tactix MPRD retails at an industry’s best value of $299.99 and is backed by the company’s unbeatable, unlimited lifetime warranty: The Riton Promise Warranty, which includes no proof of purchase, no registration and rapid new product replacement.

For more product information, please visit ritonoptics.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | 9 Comments »